GMAT Online – Prechecks & Troubleshooting Guide

SECTION A: Do This Before Entering the Lock down Browser

IMPORTANT: Once you launch the Lockdown Browser (Respondus), you cannot fix system issues or settings. If any issue arises during prechecks inside the Lockdown Browser, you must exit, fix it in a regular browser, and relaunch the test.

Setup Checklist:

• Run diagnostic tests: camera, microphone, screen share, and internet speed (see Section C)

• Grant system-level permissions for camera, microphone, and screen sharing (see Section E)

• Disable VPNs, proxy, firewalls, or antivirus software (see Section D)

• Use a personal device. Avoid office or school-managed laptops with admin restrictions.

• Ensure a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps (preferably wired connection)

SECTION B: System & Network Requirements

Operating System:

1. Windows: Only Windows 10 or 11

   • Not supported: Windows 8, S Mode, SE

2. macOS: Version 11.0 to 14.6

   • Not supported: Older versions

3. Linux and mobile devices: Not supported

Hardware:

• RAM: Minimum 4 GB (6 GB recommended), 15 GB free disk space

• Processor: Dual-core or higher

Browser Support:

• Google Chrome 80+

• Microsoft Edge (latest)

• Mozilla Firefox (latest)

• Safari (latest)

Cookies and Pop-ups must be enabled in your browser.

SECTION C: Diagnostic Checklist (To Be Performed in Regular Browser)

Before launching the Lockdown Browser, open Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox and complete the following:

• Visit Video Diagnostic Link to check if your camera and mic are detected properly.

• Use Zoom or Google Meet to perform a screen share test. Ensure you can select Entire Screen and that Respondus is allowed.

• Visit Speed Test and confirm your upload/download speed is at least 5 Mbps.

• Check that Respondus has necessary system permissions (see Section E).

• Make sure VPN, Proxy, and Antivirus are fully disabled (see Section D).

SECTION D: Disable VPN / Proxy / Firewall / Antivirus

Disable VPN:

• Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Disconnect or Remove

• macOS: Go to System Settings > Network > VPN > Disconnect or delete configuration

Disable Proxy:

• Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy > Turn OFF "Use a proxy server"

• macOS: Go to System Settings > Network > Advanced > Proxies > Uncheck all

Disable Firewall:

• Windows: Start > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection > Turn OFF

• macOS: System Settings > Network > Firewall > Turn OFF

Disable Antivirus:

• Open your antivirus application and temporarily disable real-time protection.

• If you're unsure how to disable it, contact your IT team for help.

SECTION E: Enable System-Level Permissions for Respondus

Windows:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera / Microphone / Notifications

• Allow Respondus to access all of the above.

macOS:

• Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security

• Enable Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording for Respondus

SECTION F: Prechecks Inside Lockdown Browser – Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Terms & Conditions

   • Issue: Checkbox is greyed out

   • Fix: Scroll through the content until the checkbox becomes active

   • 

2. Instructions Page

   • Issue: "Next" button not clickable

   • Fix: Refresh the page or confirm system requirements are met

3. Camera & Microphone Test

   • Issue: Access denied

   • Fix: Exit the Lockdown Browser and follow Section E to enable permissions

4. Screen Sharing Test

   • Issue: Screen not detected

   • Fix: Exit > Enable screen recording or permissions per Section E.

5. ID Upload

   • Issue: Capture button is not responsive

   • Fix:

     1. Make sure your camera is working and permission is granted when prompted.

     2. Hold a clear physical ID card in front of the camera — make sure it’s well-lit and fully visible.

     3. Keep the ID steady and avoid glares or shadows.

     4. If the capture button doesn't respond:

        • Exit the Lockdown Browser

        • Close all other apps using the camera.

        • Restart the system if needed

        • Relaunch the Lockdown Browser and try again

   •  

6. Face Capture

   • Issue: Face not detected

   • Fix: 

     1. Sit in a well-lit area with your face centered in the frame.

     2. Remove any glasses, mask, or cap that may block your face.

     3. Avoid backlighting; use a plain background.

     4. If still not detected:

        • Exit the Lockdown Browser

        • Check camera settings and lighting given in Section E.

        • Relaunch Lockdown Browser and retry          

   • 

7. Microphone Functionality Test

   • Issue: Audio not detected

   • Fix: 

     1. Make sure your microphone is connected and enabled.

     2. Grant mic permission when prompted.

     3. If audio isn’t detected:

        • Exit the Lockdown Browser

        • Test your mic on webcammictest.com

        • Check mic input settings and restart the system if needed

        • Relaunch the Lockdown Browser and retry

8. Audio Recording

   • Issue: "Not enough speech detected"

   • Fix: 

     1. Speak clearly and steadily, avoid long pauses.

     2. Ensure the room is quiet, and the mic is close enough.

     3. If the issue continues:

        • Exit the Lockdown Browser

        • Increase mic volume and test on webcammictest.com

        • Relaunch Lockdown Browser and try again

   • 

9. 360° Room Scan

   • Issue: Submission fails or unclear scan

   • Fix: 

     1. Hold the camera steady and move slowly in a full circle.

     2. Ensure the room is well-lit and scan covers all areas.

     3. Avoid fast movements or covering the camera.

     4. If scan fails repeatedly:

        • Exit the Lockdown Browser

        • Check camera settings and lighting

        • Relaunch the Lockdown Browser and retry

   • 

SECTION G: If a Precheck Step Fails

If any step inside the Lockdown Browser fails:

1. Exit the Lockdown Browser completely

2. Fix the issue using the instructions from Sections C, D, or E

3. Relaunch the Lockdown Browser and resume the test.

Still facing issues? ✉️ Raise a support ticket at: 

Support : Proctoring & Certification Support

Make sure to mention your Appointment ID in the ticket along with a brief description on the issue to help us assist you quickly.

If you continue facing issue and would like to raise a support ticket, click here

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